What Reptile Should I Get?

Question

So I've decided my next pet, or pet(s) will be reptiles. While I've never owned one before, I've made sure to do months of research on different reptiles and thinking about which would best suit my needs.

Here are the reptiles I may get, and why:
Ball Python- love their build, temperament, and long life-span
Corn Snake- ease of care, fascinating morphs
Leopard Gecko- adorable, fun, easy if you're working with a tight budget.
Crested Gecko- unless the temperatures go above or below room temperature, no heating source is needed. Very good with handling.


So, I'm acceptant of the fact I will get bit at least once If I'm going to be owning reptiles. And really, the ONLY reptile I'm "scared" to get bit by is a Ball Python. I know they don't deliver anything serious unless you pull away, but I have heard their bites feel very painful, since their teeth are curved.

I do have a cat, and she is quite the diva. So as you can imagine, I've been bit and scratched to the point of bleeding. Some say they would rather be bit by a python, than by a cat (or scratched)? I'm having a hard time believing this, since I don't think a scratch hurts other than the initial wince of pain. I guess it is what you are use to.

Also, is there any dos and don'ts you have on owning a ball python? I would prefer them over a corn snake since they are so "slow". Which one is more prone to bite, anything to look for?

Also, your thoughts on Leopard geckos? I don't need any help with their care, just personal opinions :)

I'm leaning towards a BP and a Leo.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

May I start off by saying THANK YOU for already having begun looking into this yourself. You still have a ways to go, but you've admitted this and I applaud you. I always cringe when someone says: "I bought a snake. What do I need for it?" I've taken several reptiles from people that were neglecting their animals and hadn't realized the commitment they were making when they impulsively bought a reptile.



Since you are looking so much at ball pythons, that is what I will focus on.



Ball pythons' teeth are curved back--all snake teeth are, just like any other predator. A cat's bite would hurt Waaaay more than a python's. I have scars from a pet rabbit and an aggressive rat someone gave me. I was bitten once by an adult ball python. It was Nothing compared to a mammalian bite. Had 3 very shallow teeth marks that were gone in 2 days. It was an accident too. I made a mistake during feeding time. They really aren't a snake that is likely to TRY to bite you, which definitely makes them an appealing choice. Now, if we were talking something like a Burmese python, THEN we're talking about pain and possibly stitches. But ball pythons cannot inflict damage like that. I think a lot of people have the issue with a snake bite. I realized I would rather be bitten by a snake than musked. lol



Ball pythons CAN be good beginner snakes but there is a downside in that about 50% of ball pythons I have worked with (and based on people I know that have kept them) tend to have feeding problems, which is highly stressful for a new owner. These snakes are not forgiving of husbandry errors and are easily stressed. Wrong temps will make them stop eating. Overhandling will make them stop eating. Basically, stress them and they'll stop eating. And it isn't always clear what is wrong. So you want to do a TON of homework and set up the cage a week in advance to make sure you have the right heating and humidity and that you can maintain it. I suggest against a glass enclosure, as the glass makes it more difficult to control these things,esp the humidity.



If you like the slow-moving, bulkier snakes, also consider rosy boas. Slightly smaller than ball pythons. Excellent temperament. They are a more laid-back and forgiving snake. Less likely to give issues with feeding. They are a little more active but still have enough bulk that they are not lightning fast like a scared baby corn snake. They don't require the humidity that ball pythons do, so a glass enclosure could work for them better.



I won't go into corn snakes, cause I feel you really seem more like a boa/python person. I do like them more than the colubrids (corns, kings milks, etc). To each their own. (*sigh* And look! An answerer who thinks ball pythons are dangerous. STOP ANSWERING QUESTIONS!!!) Ball pythons are not dangerous to people at all. As for your cat, the cat is far more a threat to the snake. I would not handle the snake near the cat. The cat is perfectly safe. Even an adult ball python would not go after a cat. An adult cat is far too big for a ball python to try and eat. The only reason a ball python would strike at a cat is if it were cornered by the cat. So please don't handle ANY pet reptile near your kitty.



I love the temperaments of ball pythons. Haven't had the opportunity to keep a rosy boa. Pretty much all of my reptiles have been rescues/surrenders, so I don't get to pick out all of the animals on my wish-list. :3 One thing I do have to say about ball pythons: Do NOT GET THEM FROM PETSTORES. Ball pythons are the unhealthiest of all of the snakes kept at petstores. (not to mentioned waaay overpriced) Go to a reptile show or check out reptile rescues. See if there are any near you. I've found 2 rats and our dog on petfinder.com Reptile rescues are fewer, but they are out there.



I have no experience with geckos, so unlike SOME PEOPLE *coughAzrincough* I won't pretend I know what I'm talking about and will let someone else give their opinion on those. Feel free to send me a message via YA if you have any questions about what I've mentioned or the other reptiles I've kept.

Answer 2

Personally, I like the leopard gecko. They are very docile and easy to maintain. If you want something a little more exotic that you wont handle, get a chameleon.

Check out the best pet reptile article here...

http://clubfauna.com/articles/reptiles/best-pet-reptiles/

Answer 3

The British Queen Mother. Reptilian animal outer galactic monsters!

Answer 4

I recommend a leopard gecko. They are small, easy to care for, and super tame. I love them!! ^^

Answer 5

get Corn Snake they are really fun and not hard to take care they don't bite hard look them up online read about them